Psoriasis Diet

 The best diet for this skin disorder should be one that is gluten-free, rich in fruits, vegetables, and proteins. The reason why you need to avoid gluten is because it has proven to be an effective treatment for anti-glidadin conditions which manufactures antibodies in reaction to gluten, in addition to its symptoms like skin breakouts or dermatitis herpetiformis. The pustules found in these skin breakouts tend to resemble those found in psoriasis.

The presence of these antibodies in people suffering from psoriasis is what justifies the efficacy of a gluten-free diet when seeking to combat and control this lifelong condition. There are also studies that have shown that the condition can significantly improve when one strictly follows a gluten-free diet. A psoriasis variant, known as palmo-plantar pustulosis, has also responded positively to gluten free a psoriasis diet.

Like most other skin conditions, having a well balanced diet characterized by fresh veggies and fruits, healthy low-fat protein, olive oil, and sufficient amounts of fiber has always been recommended as the best diet for psoriasis. A diet approach to psoriasis is also about avoiding specific foods that are believed to trigger the flare up of psoriasis symptoms. Refined and over-processed carbohydrates and excessive consumption of red meat can make your condition unmanageable, and can interfere with prescription medication used to control the symptoms associated with the disorder.

A dietary change is also about avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. These are beverages that can significantly compromise on your body’s ability to fight disease causing organisms, and if you are genetically predisposed to psoriasis, you might be increasing your chances of getting or worsening the disease.

Psoriasis Diet : Water is Important

Water is life, or so the saying goes. Taking the recommended 8 glasses of water every day is a surefire way to control your psoriasis condition. By ensuring you remain hydrated all throughout the day; your body will be able to flush out harmful toxins more effectively. Toxins get out of the body through different organs, the skin being one of them. Taking sufficient amounts of water on a daily basis will mean that the flushing out of toxins through the skin will be done efficiently, especially because the elasticity of the skin will be enhanced by sufficient amounts of water.

With that being said, it is to be mentioned that a psoriasis diet does not in any way treat the disease, it only helps curb the often unbearable symptoms that come with the disease. Being a lifelong condition, it means that the symptoms can show their ugly face when you least expect them to. By ensuring that you are having a balanced gluten free diet all through, you will be able to, at the very least, control the severity of the symptoms.

The good news is that many people will experience psoriasis arthritis when they are in the mid 40s to 50s. Having said that, it is important to mention that these two different conditions will not appear at the same time. Many people will have the skin disorder appear first and then followed by the symptoms of arthritis or vice versa. It isn’t uncommon to find someone having symptoms of either psoriasis or arthritis for up to 20 years, before the symptoms of the accompanying condition show their ugly face.

Psoriasis Arthritis: Life threatening

The onset of the symptoms of the accompanying condition would always come with lots of pain and severity of the existing symptoms. It will be characterized by the inflammation of body tissues in addition to the already inflamed skin and joints, including the eyes, spine, kidneys, and heart. Needless to mention, if urgent measures are not taken at the onset of the symptoms, psoriasis arthritis can be a life-threatening condition.

The main cause of this condition is still at large, but scientists and doctors believe that the HLA-B27 gene, and other gene markers, could be responsible for the onset of these unbearable symptoms. There is also the risk factor associated with sudden changes in the body’s immune system, or a compromised immune system altogether.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, including the above-mentioned of joints and skin inflammation include ridges or pitting in the nails, and acne in the face. Stiff and painful joints, pain in the back and stiffness and pain in the chest are also a common occurrence among people suffering from psoriasis arthritis. The good news is that inflammation will often attack only a few joints at a time, and the stiffness and pain is normally worse in the morning and during cold weather conditions, such as during the cold winter months.

It is also to be mentioned that despite the co-relation between these two conditions, their symptoms are treated differently. The skin disorder psoriasis symptoms are often treated using corticosteroid injections, oral medication, topical applications, and biologic injections or light therapy in severe manifestation of the symptoms. Arthritis on the other hand is treated using anti-inflammatory medication. The good news is that when the symptoms of one condition improve, often the other condition’s symptoms will improve as well.

Psoriasis Arthritis can be managed

The condition tends to worsen with time as one age. Because there is no known cause of the condition, and because there lacks a specific treatment for psoriasis arthritis, doctors always recommend a change in lifestyle, avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, eating  a well balanced, gluten-free psoriasis diet, and regular exercise.

Causes of scalp psoriasis

The real cause of scalp psoriasis is yet to be known but there is reason to believe that a combination of factors could be involved. Environmental factors and genetic predisposition are some of the cited causes of scalp psoriasis. It is very common to find the condition among members of the same family lineage. While there has been ongoing research for over 3 decades in search of the main causes, the ‘master trigger’ that triggers this condition is still a mystery to scientists.

Symptoms

Scalp psoriasis manifests itself as severe dandruff with very dry scaly inflamed patches and flakes on the scalp. Not only is this uncomfortable, it is also very embarrassing since the scalp is always in bare view for all to see. In severe cases of the condition, it can lead to hair loss. It can be very tempting to scrape off the thick scab from the scalp, but it only worsens the condition leading to more flaking.

Treatment

Sadly, not only is the scalp the most difficult part of the body to treat because of the hair, the condition is not curable at the moment. There is however treatment options available in the market to help in clearing out the flare-ups. If you fall into the category of the lucky few, the condition can disappear completely on its own and go into remission but for rest of the people, the medications and products out there will do the trick.

A critical step in the treatment of scalp psoriasis is to get rid of existing flakes and scales to allow for the treatment to penetrate effectively. Once you clear the scales, you can then use specially formulated shampoos, like those made of tar, to treat the condition. When removing the scales, it is advisable that they are softened first so they can come off easily without having to scrub off and cause more flaking. They are softened by using products that contain lactic or salicylic acids. You can also apply oils or creams on the scales when the affected areas are damp.

The name Psoriasis Vulgaris refers to common psoriasis, where Vulgaris means “common”. The condition is characterized by patches appearing all over the skin in the form of red scales falling off. The worst affected areas are the elbows, knees, nails, trunk and scalp. The plaque is not just the only sign of psoriasis vulgaris; it is covered by a flaky white skin buildup, usually silvery in color, and is composed of some dead cells of the skin. The scale often become loose and tends to shed constantly. The condition is itchy with cracks forming from time to time. Sometimes it can as well be very painful.

Psoriasis vulgaris usually precipitates in the areas where the skin has experienced some trauma before; this is also known as isomorphic response. The condition is usually coin sized with well-defined red scaly plaques on different parts of the body.

This typical type of psoriasis usually remains the same; it is stable in nature and quite different from Guttate variety. However, chances are that chronic forms of psoriasis vulgaris might show certain signs of fluctuating activities. The skin tends to become reddish in color and new lesions might develop as well. Local topical agents might not work; they might only worsen the condition.

There are various factors that worsen the condition even further. If corticosteroids are withdrawn suddenly, or any steroid based treatments are used regularly, it can lead to aggravated forms of psoriasis vulgaris.

Although psoriasis can be diagnosed easily by looking at the skin condition, there are times when it becomes increasingly tough to differentiate between dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris. Usually a doctor needs to look into the condition properly and differentiate, in order to come to a conclusion.

Managing psoriasis can be tougher than you actually think it is. Based on various factors, such as the age of the individual suffering from the condition, the particular stage of the condition, its location, the severity of the disease, the lifestyle of the individual and his response to previous treatments and therapies will determine the next course of action. Therefore, it must be understood that every patient has to go through a tailored management process for treating psoriasis.

There are different topical treatments, systemic treatments, phototherapy and lifestyle management techniques that help in stabilizing the condition. Taking proper care and helping oneself to cope up with the condition can be of great help.

Psoriasis is a typical skin condition affecting the growth of human skin cells. It is now being considered to be an autoimmune skin disease since the immune system tends to send some defective signals, which in turn speeds up the growth of the skin cells. There are 5 major types of psoriasis affecting the skin, including Erythrodermic, Guttate, Inverse, Plaque and Pustular psoriasis.

Different types of psoriasis are characterized by different psoriasis symptoms. However, as the symptoms are apparently the same, it leads to frequent misdiagnosis of the condition.

Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs with usual redness and inflammation as the common signs. However, the inflammation is usually temporary in nature, and might disappear only to reappear once again. You would not know when it is going to come back. It isn’t a typical common type of psoriasis and therefore the psoriasis symptoms are not so well know. All that we know is this type of psoriasis usually affects the whole body causing redness and peeling rashes that burn and itch.

Guttate psoriasis is prevalent in teens and children. This condition usually appears in the form of tiny red spots, particularly affecting the knees, scalp and elbows. It is common in people below 30. It is characterized by small raindrop-like sores having fine scales, and is associated with respiratory infections.

Inverse psoriasis is commonly seen in the areas that sweat a lot, such as the space between buttocks, the genitals and its surroundings, below the breasts and the groin. It is usually bright red in color with flaky appearance. It is commonly seen in people who are obese or overweight.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis that affects a lot of people every year in America. Characterized by red, inflamed patches, plaque psoriasis also forms silvery white flakes that shed from time to time. It is commonly seen in the areas like arms, legs and torso.

Pustular psoriasis is very rare type of this skin disease. Categorized in to 3 different types, acropustulosis, palmoplantar pustulosis and von Zumbusch psoriasis, this type of psoriasis might affect any part of your body. It is usually treated with steroids and light therapy. It appears on the skin in the form of widespread patches affecting smaller areas of the feet, hands and fingertips as well. These are pus-filled sores or blisters that are generally red in color and tender.

At present, there is no definite cure for psoriasis.

Psoriasis cures are delicate; as the condition spreads rapidly and demands immediate attention. There could be many causes of the condition, but its treatment ought to be specific. Sometimes, skin infections or throat infections can also cause psoriasis, although it isn’t an infectious skin disease, it is very difficult to live with it.

Generally, the topical ointments and steroids are recommended as the best ways of treating psoriasis. However, these medications can cause unwanted side effects. In order to get relief from this condition, it is important to plan a course of treatment.

Natural psoriasis cures are considered to be the best methods of relieving the condition. There are various natural methods as mentioned below:

• Taking a bath in with Epsom salts is a good way of relieving psoriasis. After bathing with Epsom salt, apply olive oil to the effected part of the body for relief.
• Sea water helps in treating psoriasis dramatically. Taking bath in sea water regularly can be an excellent cure for psoriasis.
• Mud packs have often been a great relief for psoriasis. As mud absorbs all the toxins from the body, you feel rejuvenated.
• Taking a psoriasis diet can also be a great idea. Bitter gourd is known to be very effective for treating and relieving psoriasis. Taking bitter gourd regularly can help in curing the disease.
• Exposing your skin to natural sun light is one way of implementing phototherapy. Instead of getting it done in the hospital, you can use the natural sun’s rays for relief. However, make sure you don’t overexpose yourself.
• Aloe vera is one of the best skin care ingredients having natural healing benefits. Applying aloe vera on the affected parts can heal psoriasis.
• Garlic oil also cures psoriasis.
• Lotions made from natural ingredients, such as castor oil and wheat germ oil, calendula and marigold are extremely beneficial for the skin, and particularly for curing psoriasis.
• Eating healthy foods is also another way of curing psoriasis. There are certain foods, particularly acidic foods that must be avoided if you are having psoriasis. Foods like tomatoes, oily foods, junk foods and beverages are to be restricted.

These are a few of the natural psoriasis cures that exist. We should come out with more in a future post.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized by scaling skin and inflammation. It is a generalized form of inflammatory psoriasis that is caused by loss of fluid and protein from the body through excessive scaling of the skin.

It is one of the most severe forms of psoriasis, and more than 25% of the cases are reported to be that of Erythrodermic psoriasis. It is usually common in people having plaque psoriasis that is worsening progressively.

Erythrodermic psoriasis precipitates with the abrupt withdrawal of potent topical agents and steroids or systemic corticosteroids, or for that matter any other medications. However, Erythrodermic psoriasis is not only caused due to psoriasis; there are various other causes of this complication  as well, such as atopic dermatitis, lymphoma, drug reactions, dermatitis, contact allergic dermatitis and other types of skin problems. 50% of the cases of Erythrodermic psoriasis have no reasons at all.

The signs and symptoms of Erythrodermic psoriasis are quite similar to any other type of psoriasis. However, there are certain exceptions. The characteristics of this type of psoriasis is widespread, starting of with redness, thickening of skin and scaling. However, the scales aren’t as thick as it happens in case of plaque psoriaisis. Reddening of the skin, inflammation, scaling and severe pain and itching are some of the common symptom of the condition. The color of the skin becomes red and tremors also occur due to fluctuating temperature.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is one such condition that affects the overall skin of the body. It often leads to infections, dehydration, heart failure, hypothermia or low body temperature and can as well lead to capillary leak syndrome. It also causes odema and death in some worst cases.

Treatment of Erythrodermic psoriasis involves a wide variety of options. Cooling wet dressings, bland emollient, bed rest, low dosage of ciclosporin, acitretin and Methotrexate and antibiotics are some of the commonly available options.

When the condition becomes severe, hospitalization is required for support and care. With the use of intravenous fluids and various temperature regulation techniques, the condition often improves.

However, this condition cannot be treated with oral corticosteroids because there are certain risks associated with the same, withdrawing these medications can lead to extreme conditions.

Using the prescribed medicines will help in preventing the erythrodermic psoriasis condition from spreading any further also, it might reduce the chances of worsening also, thereby preventing some of the major health complications.

With the correct use of treatment, it is also possible to remove the scale and make the skin smoother.

Psoriasis treatments have been categorized into 3 types: Topical treatments, Phototherapy and  Oral / Injected medications.

Topical treatments include different types of creams, ointments and other skin care products that can treat psoriasis. These treatments are given at the initial stages of psoriasis. However, if the condition is severe, it would require a combined treatment of topical agents and oral medications. Some of the most commonly used topical treatments for psoriasis are topical corticosteroids, Anthralin, Vitamin D analogues, Salicylic acid, Topical retinoids, Calcineurin inhibitors, Coal tar and moisturizers.

Your condition will dictate the type of treatment your skin requires.

Phototherapy, also known as Light therapy treats the condition using natural sources of light. Sometimes, artificial light is also used for the purpose. The easiest way to implement this therapy is to expose the effected parts of the skin to natural sunlight. However, you must not overexpose yourself. There are various other methods as well, such as UVB phototherapy, artificial sunlight, Narrowband UVB therapy, Combination light therapy, Excimer laser, Photochemotherapy and others.

Apart from these choices, there are some options for oral / injected medications as well. This method is often tried  and is applied for serious cases of psoriasis. When all the other treatments of psoriasis fail, oral medications and the injected medications are the ultimate choice. Retinoids, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate, Hydroxyurea and biologics like Immunomodulator drugs.

Usually, doctors would begin by considering the type and the severity of the condition. In all cases, traditional treatment options are implemented at the very first instance. The mildest treatments that include topical creams and ointments for psoriasis are applied after which even phototherapy or light therapy is given. The primary aim of this method of treatment is to slow down the cell turnover, which is important.

Despite all these options, it can be a challenging task to treat psoriasis. As the condition is simply unpredictable, it is possible that a person will have to go through different phases of improvement and aggravation.

The effects of these methods of treatment are equally unpredictable as the condition; if one treatment works for a person A, it might not work for a person B. Using these treatments over an extended period of time can make a person resistant to them. Side effects are also common.

It is important to use any of these psoriasis treatment medications under the supervision of a doctor.

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by raised bumps of white pus filled pustules. The surrounding skin is usually red and sometime patches tend to develop. In this type of psoriasis, the white blood cells often collect on the skin’s surface in the form of small spots. When these pustules affect the whole body, it is known as generalized pustular psoriasis. This is indeed a fatal condition.

There are different types of pustular psoriasis that includes acute, chronic and subacute. This type of psoriasis is usually common in the feet and hands. However, it is not a contagious disease, therefore chances of spreading to others does not exist.

The symptoms of pustular psoriasis manifest in the form of small, whitish or yellowish pustules developing in the arms and legs, the skin tends to become red, with a burning sensation; the pustules spread rapidly and it causes fever.

Our immune system produces certain substances that trigger the skin to produce new skin cells rapidly in psoriasis. It might as well result in the development of T-cells. If a person has even had psoriasis in the past, chances are that he might develop pustular psoriasis any time in the future. There are certain factors that trigger the development of pustular psoriasis, including infections, pregnancy, prescribed drugs and using steroid pills or creams. Other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, stress and any type of infection might provoke the condition.

Diagnosing any type of psoriasis is simple and easy. As the condition is typically visible to the naked eye, your GP can understand that it is psoriasis.

Pustular psoriasis treatment involves the use of different topical agents. Emollients, steroids, Vitamin D derivatives, dithranol and coal tar are some of the most commonly used topical treatments.

Light therapy is an excellent treatment for psoriasis too. Using natural light or ultraviolet light artificially can eliminate psoriasis. Light therapy is given by doctors in the hospital using UVB light therapy or PUVA light therapy.

Light therapy is considered to be the best treatment for pustular psoriasis, and every other type of psoriasis.

Oral medications, including Acitretin, Ciclosporin and Methotrexate are good medications for pustular psoriasis. However, these medications, or for that matter any other forms of medications are not meant for pregnant women.

It is possible to prevent pustular psoriasis if you have had a history of the disease. You must take the prescribed medicines to ensure that you don’t get the disease. However, it is always advised to see a doctor as and when required.

Severe plaque psoriasis is characterized by redness of the skin covered with scales, usually silvery in color, and inflammation. Patches develop in the arms, trunk, scalp, legs, elbows, knees and in other parts of the body in the form of oval or circular shaped plaques. The condition is usually itchy. However, it is not contagious, but might be inherited from the ancestors.

There are various factors that contribute to severe psoriasis, of which the most common ones are the environmental factors, such as sun exposure, dust and wind. However, there could be many other factors like smoking, alcoholism and sometimes HIV infections that lead to plaque psoriasis.

People suffering from severe psoriasis are often at an increased risk of developing arthritis as well. Commonly known as psoriatic arthritis, the condition involves the joints and fingers, toes and knees, and also the hips and the back.

It is easy to diagnose psoriasis, since the symptoms of the condition are evident. Plaque psoriasis might start off with a small patch that tends to grow bigger and bigger over time. Sometimes, you might need a dermatologist to finally detect whether or not your condition is psoriasis. The symptoms are sometimes very common to other skin conditions.

Although experts claim that there is no definite treatment for plaque psoriasis, there are various options available these days that seem to have successfully controlled the symptoms. However, there are certain measure to be taken for treating psoriasis, such as topical treatments, oral medications, light therapy, biological agents and self helps techniques.

Topical treatments are the preferred options for severe plaque psoriasis. Vitamin D, steroids, tar, vitamin A derivatives, tacrolimus, salicylic acid and dithranol are some of the most effective ingredients present in topical agents that help in treating plaque psoriasis.

Oral medications are a good choice when advised by a doctor; these medicines aren’t suitable for pregnant women. In fact, if a man has taken these medicines for long, he should not make his wife pregnant for a certain period of time. This subject needs to be discussed with a doctor.

Light therapy is given by a specialist in the hospital for curing psoriasis. It is effective.

Biological agents are the latest psoriasis treatments that seem to be very effective for severe psoriasis. These are usually passed on to the body through injection or a drip. Your dermatologist will be the best person to advise you.

Self-help techniques act as a support system for any treatment. If you can avoid long hours of sun exposure, smoking and alcohol, it might help in reducing the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.